Why divers' watches?
Here are some reasons:
- they are built to last;
- they are built to withstand water pressure;
- they are appropriate for all daily activities;
- you don't have to take them off when you shower, swim, sleep etc.;
- they come in different colors and designs.
What makes a divers' watch a diver's watch?
Of course there are certain requirements in the industry to qualify as a divers' watch. Here are the minim specs for this category of watches:
- stainless steel case (of other tough material to withstand water pressure)
- rotative bezel
- at least 200 meters of water resistance (tested)
- screw-down case-back;
- screw-down crown;
- luminous indicators on dial;
- luminous hands.
- they can have quartz, solar, mechanical or automatic movements.
Do they look the same? Of course not. There are a lot of differences in design and features but there are 3 icons I would think about when hearing "divers' watches": Rolex Submariner, Seiko SKX, Vostok Amphibia. No, I do not own a Rolex but I do have some of its homages.
Now, let's see what are the watches I own, tested and recommend them to anyone searching for good looking affordable watches. I will list them in increasing value order:
1. Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude - with upgraded bezel and hands (approx. 100 USD)
Chunky watch, made in Russia and designed for the Russian Army in the '60, remains a point of reference in the watch making industry for its innovation in water-resistance design (pressed acrylic glass, thick rubber gaskets, non-detachable crow-stem assembly). Equipped with a Vostok 2416b automatic movement, 31 jewels, performs decently but accuracy it is not a strong point. Fun to wear, a good watch for daily use. Wide range of dials and case shapes to choose from.
Refinement: 7/10 Comfortable: 7/10 Eye-catcher: 7/10 Diving performance: 10/10 Reliability: 8/10
2. Alpha Submariner (approx. 120 USD)
One of the best Rolex Sub homages (old model style) at this price range. It is made in China by Alpha Watches, sells in a high quality stainless steel case with a nice glossy/matte finish. Equipped with a Miyota 8215 automatic movement, 21 jewels, performs decently and can be quite accurate. Fun to wear, a good watch for daily use. Narrow range of dial colors to choose from.
Refinement: 7/10 Comfortable: 7/10 Eye-catcher: 7/10 Diving performance: 7/10 Reliability: 8/10
3. Steeldive Submariner (approx. 130 USD)
One of the best Rolex Sub homages (new model style) at this price range. It is made in China by Steeldive Watches, sells in a high quality stainless steel case with a nice brushed matte finish. Equipped with a Seiko NH35 hackable automatic movement, 24 jewels, performs decently and can be quite accurate. Fun to wear, a good watch for daily use. Narrow range of dial colors to choose from.
Refinement: 7/10 Comfortable: 8/10 Eye-catcher: 8/10 Diving performance: 9/10 Reliability: 9/10
4. Invicta Sumbariner (approx. 150 USD)
One of the best Rolex Sub homages at this price range. Invicta is an American Brand but the watches are made in China, sells in a high quality stainless steel case with a nice glossy finish. Equipped with a Seiko NH35 hackable automatic movement, 24 jewels, performs decently and can be quite accurate. Fun to wear, a good watch for daily use. Narrow range of dial colors to choose from.
Refinement: 8/10 Comfortable: 8/10 Eye-catcher: 8/10 Diving performance: 9/10 Reliability: 9/10
5. Orient Mako (approx. 180 USD)
Made in Japan by Orient, equipped with an old workhorse 46943 non- hackable automatic movement, 21 jewels, performs decently and can be quite accurate. Fun to wear, a good watch for daily use. The newer version, Mako II has also a new hackable movement F6922, a the separate day change button disappeared.
Refinement: 9/10 Comfortable: 9/10 Eye-catcher: 7/10 Diving performance: 9/10 Reliability: 8/10
6. Citizen ProMaster (approx. 210 USD)
Made in Japan by Citizen, equipped with an old workhorse Miyota 8203 non- hackable automatic movement, 21 jewels, performs decently and can be quite accurate. Has a fantastic dial design, durable luminous cover on indices and hands. Very comfortable having the crowing at 8 o'clock, a good watch to wear for sports. Also a good diver's choice.
Refinement: 9/10 Comfortable: 9/10 Eye-catcher: 9/10 Diving performance: 10/10 Reliability: 9/10
Made in Japan by Seiko, equipped with an old workhorse 7S26 non- hackable automatic movement, 21 jewels, performs decently and can be quite accurate. Has a fantastic yet simple dial design, durable luminous cover on indices and hands. It is true icon among collectors. I own two of them, both modded with the hackable NH36A movement.
Refinement: 9/10 Comfortable: 9/10 Eye-catcher: 10/10 Diving performance: 10/10 Reliability: 9/10
8. Steinhart Ocean One (approx. 500 USD)
We are moving to different league in the world of submariner homages. Steinhart Ocean One is made in Germany using some of the best materials and level of refinement. It is equipped with an old swiss workhorse ETA 2824-2 hackable automatic movement, 25 jewels, performs well and is quite accurate (up to +/-3 seconds/day). Excellent choice night outs on the beach.
Refinement: 9/10 Comfortable: 9.5/10 Eye-catcher: 9.5/10 Diving performance: 10/10 Reliability: 10/10
9. Marcello C Nettuno 3 (approx. 900 USD)
Marcello C in my opinion is the best German manufacturer of submariner homages. The quality of Nettuno 3 is fantastic. It is equipped with an ETA 2824-2 elaboree version, hackable automatic movement, 25 jewels, performs well and is quite accurate (up to +/-3 seconds/day). Excellent choice night outs on the beach, but also in the office if you wish to be noticed.
Refinement: 10/10 Comfortable: 10/10 Eye-catcher: 10/10 Diving performance: 10/10 Reliability: 9/10
That's it for today! They prices can vary, but remember that any of the above watches can be bought second-hand (ebay.com, catawiki.com) at very attractive prices...
